(RAPID CITY, SD) – The Rapid City Rush, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, went “back to school”, in a sense, resuming their “Rush to Read” program this week in between their most recent slates of games.
The Rush’s “Superhero Night” on March 11th is rapidly approaching, and the Rush players read to children at local elementary schools about their favorite superheroes to help ramp up the anticipation.
“We absolutely loved it. We are extremely grateful that the Rush players took time out of their day to not only read to our students, but to answer questions and interact with our children,” said Brad Jungwirth, Principal at South Park Elementary School. “What’s great for our kids with all of this is that it’s motivating: you have high-profile, professional athletes that stress the importance of school and that’s inspirational for children at such a young age. They taught our students how much school has factored in their lives both on and off the ice, and the hard work that they put in to get to where they are now.”
“It’s refreshing to know that we have grown, professional adults in our community that take the time to stress the value and importance of reading and education,” echoed South Canyon Elementary School Principal, Erin Lehmann. “The excitement for their arrival was felt throughout our entire school. The fact that they were so willing to come speak to our students speaks volumes not only of the Rush organization, but also their character as individuals. I kid you not, they met EVERY single student in our school. The players visited every class room and spent time relaying the significance of working hard and learning”.
“We’re so glad that the team came to read to our students. To see figures in our community that they admire means the world to them, and creates a moment that they’ll never forget,” David Swank, Principal of Canyon Lake Elementary told the Rush. “We’re very fortunate here at Canyon Lake Elementary that we get to see the Rush multiple times a year, so our children already feel such a personal bond between themselves and the players. Our relationship with the team has gone from simply giving out Christmas gifts to teaching a valuable life and educational skill, so for us to leverage that relationship in order to create an experience that builds upon the excitement of reading and learning is great for us and the students altogether.”
The “Rush to Read” program will conclude very soon, so be on the lookout at your local school for your favorite Rush players before the season ends!
